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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 24, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for May.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on May 24 throughout history
Samuel Adams writes instructions for Boston Town Meeting opposing the Sugar Act, laying groundwork for colonial resistance to taxation without representation. He argued that the Sugar Act violated the colonists' rights under their royal charter and asserted that Parliament had no right to tax them without their consent.
John Hancock is unanimously elected President of the Second Continental Congress. As President, Hancock presided over the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Mary Had A Little Lamb (Sarah Josepha Hale) is first published by Boston firm Marsh, Capen & Lyon
Samuel Morse taps out "What hath God wrought" in the world's first telegraph message using Morse code. The message traveled along a newly constructed experimental line from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., to a railroad depot in Baltimore,
The Brooklyn Bridge is opened to traffic after 14 years of construction. The iconic Brooklyn Bridge officially opened, spanning the East River to connect the then-separate cities of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It was considered an an engineering marvel and the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time
Lowell Observatory (Arizona) begins observing Mars. with an eighteen-inch telescope and concludes there are canals on Mars. Exploration of mars laid the groundwork for future planetary discoveries, including Clyde Tombaugh’s 1930 discovery of Pluto.
The first auto repair shop opens in Boston, Massachusetts. Back Bay Cycle & Motor Co. was originally a bicycle service and rental company, the shop expanded to an automobile maintenance shop.
The (B&O) Railroad becomes the first train car to use air-conditioning.
Dr Peter Murray Marshall becomes the first African American to head an American Medical Association unit in New York County.
The first house in the U.S. with a built-in bomb shelter is exhibited in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania. The shelter a 22 x 8 foot room with 10-inch concrete blocks and a lead-covered door.
Scott Carpenter becomes the second Astronaut to orbit the Earth three times, conducting scientific experiments and observing weather patterns.
The cartoon band The Archies releases the song "Sugar, Sugar". The song becomes Billboard Song of the Year for 1969.
American management consultant Marilyn Loden first coins the term "glass ceiling" to describe invisible career barriers for women.
People born on May 24
Engineer and mechanic who built the first aircraft engine for the Wright brothers.
African-American soldier who served with distinction under George Washington during the U.S War of Independence.
Expert constitutional historian who is well-known for his candid biographical books about former U.S. Presidents.
Candy maker who created Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
Comic book artist who created Richie Rich.
Considered one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time.
Actress, businesswoman and ex-wife of Elvis Presley.
